hey guys, i just put in a new alternator and now when i start up the car im getting a squeaking for a few seconds then goes away...car runs smooth but this squeaking doesnt sound right...i thought i did everything right with install...any ideas?

 

Belt tension, it's probably to loose. Push on the the power steering belt for comparison since you didn't touch that one.

 

Assuming you tightened the belt after installing the alternator, the squeaking might be coming from the idler pulley. If the belt was a little loose before, and then you tightened after the alternator job, it could be putting a little extra stress on the idler pulley bearing.

 

did you look at the belt when you changed your alternator?? maybe you probably need to change your belt also..i had the same problem but i just sprayed belt dressing and now it doesn't squeak at all..

 

Its most likely your power steering belt. I noticed on my 1997 the main drive belt (ac/alternator belt) was replaced but the power steering belt which is much more difficult to install was original from 1997. My car squealed at initial start up and it was the power steering belt. I replaced both belts anyway and its completely silent on start up.

 

or its possibly something impossible to kill like my car and you just live with the infuriating noise every cold startup you have.
changed both belts 2 times in 6 months, no dice, no pulley wobble either, it just WONT GO AWAY.
i changed the PS one again 2 days ago, first start up there was a slight squeal,
so i went back and tightened it a bit more, now its back to its old ****.
i hate our pulley system.

 

Just tighten your belt. I had the same issue after alternator change and belt swap. Tightened it twice and it has not squealed since. Takes 3 minutes.

 

mine squeaks until it warms up when its really cold outside. its only happened a few times but were not into the middle of winter yet

 

TO HANDSONMAXIMA AND DIAMOND:

My car made that really irritating,annoying,obnoxious squeaking noise also;during a cold start up. What i did was spray belt dressing on until i replaced the belt, the dressing works really good!! Go to your local autozone and purchase a can for like 4 dollars until you replace your belt, its better than waiting 10-15 mins for the sound to start dieing out. Even when dieing out theres a little squeaking noise but a high pitch and its always going to be stuck in your head everytime you start your car..SO TRAUMATIZING!! : (

OR IN YOUR POSITION, HANDSONMAXIMA,

maybe your powersteering unit?
try spraying the dressing and see how it works..

hopefully this helps : )